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How to determine whether a steel wire rope needs lubrication?
2025-07-16
After the transformation, to determine whether the steel wire rope needs lubrication, a comprehensive judgment should be made based on its appearance condition, operational performance and usage environment. The following are specific judgment bases and methods to help identify lubrication needs in a timely manner: I. Visual Observation: Directly determine the lubrication status Surface grease state If the grease on the surface of the steel wire rope dries up, cracks, falls off, or appears in a "dry and dull" state (without a uniform oil film coverage), it indicates that the grease has lost its effectiveness and needs to be replenished for lubrication. If the surface grease is thin or has been severely lost (such as after being washed by rain or baked at high temperatures), or if there is no grease filling in some areas (such as the gaps between rope strands), re-lubrication is also required. Rust or dust adhesion If there are slight rust stains or rust spots on the surface, or if a large amount of dust and sand particles adhere due to insufficient grease (forming "dry and hard oil sludge"), it indicates that the lubrication protection has failed. It is necessary to clean first before lubrication. If there are obvious dry and friction marks in the gaps of the rope strands (such as a dull metallic luster or accelerated local wear), it is also a signal of insufficient lubrication. Ii. Operational Performance: Judged through dynamic feedback Abnormal noise during operation When the steel wire rope is stretched, bent or passed around the pulley, if it makes dry friction sounds such as "rustling" or "creaking" (it should be a smooth and low sound under normal lubrication), it indicates that the lubrication between the internal steel wires and strands is insufficient, and the friction is intensified. Immediate lubrication is required. The operating resistance increases. If it is found that the equipment (such as cranes, elevators) is stuck or straining during operation, or the motor current abnormally increases under the same load, it may be due to insufficient lubrication of the steel wire rope, resulting in increased frictional resistance. It is necessary to check and replenish the lubrication. Iii. Usage Environment and Cycle: Preventive Judgment Environmental triggering factors If the steel wire rope is in a damp, rainy, coastal (high salt fog) environment, or has come into contact with corrosive substances such as acids, alkalis, and oil stains, even if there are no obvious abnormalities on the surface, the lubrication cycle should be shortened (it is recommended to check once every 1-2 months), and water-resistant and anti-rust lubricating grease should be replenished in a timely manner. In environments with a lot of dust and high temperatures (such as in metallurgy and mining), grease is prone to contamination by impurities or loss due to high temperatures. Therefore, the inspection frequency should be increased (at least once a month), and the grease should be replaced immediately upon discovering its failure. Time and usage frequency Under normal operating conditions (dry, normal temperature, medium load), it is recommended to force lubrication once every 3 to 6 months. Frequent use (such as working for more than 8 hours a day) or heavy-load scenarios require monthly inspections and lubrication once every 1 to 2 months. Within 1 to 2 weeks after the first use of the new steel wire rope, it is necessary to reapply grease (to make up for possible grease loss during installation). |
